"This is it! The taste of home! The broth, savory and robust, perfectly infuses every ingredient. When it hits your stomach, it feels like a surge of pure energy exploding from within! That irresistible flavor latches onto my tongue, flooding my mouth with saliva, cascading down my throat and igniting my appetite! And then there's that subtle scallion note blending flawlessly with every morsel—it's simply beyond words! All the energy I lost earlier from the heat has returned in an instant…"
In that moment, it was as if a volcanic eruption catapulted the judge straight into orbit, obliterating every care in the world.
Ding!
With decisive tears streaming down his cheeks, he slammed the approval button, convinced this was the greatest decision of his life. Such culinary bliss deserved to be shared with everyone—everyone must taste this happiness!
Unfortunately, the pot was limited. No matter how desperately the audience drooled, they could only savor the aroma drifting through the air.
"Meow! Such a divine dish—I wanna taste it too, meow!" Meowth leaned over the railing, mouth watering helplessly.
"Have you lost it?! That Farfetch'd belongs to that monster! You want us to lose our entire budget again?" Jessie and James hastily dragged the reluctant Meowth away.
Elsewhere, as part of Cerulean City's Gym Leader trio and renowned water ballet performers, Daisy's act was also a success, making her one of the few contestants advancing to the finals.
"It seems Kanto's contestants aren't as weak as I thought. Looks like Nami isn't my only rival here." Observing her competitors closely, Dodo gently patted her Gardevoir, her expression still brimming with confidence. "But the real contest starts now. We'll be the ones to take home that Ribbon."
With the preliminary judging concluded, twelve teams advanced to the main event, where they would compete fiercely for the top three places.
Amid dazzling lights and dynamic music, the beautiful hostess stepped gracefully onto center stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience! The thrilling first-ever Kanto Pokémon Contest officially begins now!"
"Please allow me to introduce our esteemed judges: Director Sorata of the Contest Committee; Ms. Daisy, founder of Cerulean City's Sensational Sisters; Nurse Joy from the Vermilion City Pokémon Center; and Lt. Surge, the Vermilion City Gym Leader! Give them a warm welcome!"
Thunderous applause filled the hall. Apart from Director Sorata, the other three judges were local Kanto celebrities—proof that Kanto could wield great influence even in Pokémon Contests!
"Big Sis?!" In the audience, Misty stared in shock at Daisy on the judges' panel, never expecting her to appear as a contest judge.
"It makes sense, doesn't it?" Brock, seated next to Misty, adjusted imaginary glasses, suddenly turning serious. "She's a talented performer who created water ballet. Also incredibly beautiful—think I have a shot?"
Misty shivered involuntarily, unsure how to respond. Thankfully, the competition bell rang just in time.
"Let's begin! The Talent and Skill Exhibition round starts now!"
In this segment, contestants had to seamlessly integrate talents and Pokémon moves, showcasing unique performances. The judges would score each act, with only the top four advancing to the next round.
"First up is the Gardevoir–Dodo duo! Let's enjoy their performance!"
"Come on out!" Contestant Dodo stepped forward, took a deep breath, and confidently threw two Poké Balls. Instantly, two Kirlia appeared, their elegant forms resembling ballerinas.
Contest rules allowed up to two supporting Pokémon, as judges scored based on the entire act rather than individual Pokémon. Thus, most Trainers naturally chose group performances.
"Now, Gardevoir, Kirlia—let's begin! [DANCE OF LAKE RADIANCE]!"
Once more, Gardevoir's slender hands conjured ethereal light, but this time, aided by two Kirlia, the Psybeam illusions became even more vivid, shimmering delicately across the stage like stardust drifting gently onto earth.
"Now, [LIFE DEW]!"
The trio gathered together, conjuring a single crystal-clear droplet that floated upward, gradually expanding in mid-air into a glistening lake suspended gracefully above the stage.
"Ooh~!"
A typical Life Dew move could never produce such a breathtaking display; this clever use of light and refraction crafted the ethereal lake illusion before everyone's eyes.
Amid sparkling azure waves, Gardevoir and the Kirlia danced elegantly, like fairies from ancient legends. Their psychic prowess allowed movements beyond human limits, entrancing every viewer deeply within the fantasy.
Long after the act ended, the audience remained spellbound, only breaking the silence with thunderous applause minutes later.
The judges finally unveiled a remarkable score: 37.5 points. Such an impressive result would have easily clinched victory in previous contests.
Of course, with several dark horses competing this time, nothing was yet set in stone—but the Gardevoir team's stunning debut had already heightened expectations.
Though held aboard a cruise liner, the Contest was broadcast live across Kanto. For the first time, audiences at home witnessed the glamorous event, its popularity rivaling even the Pokémon League.
Following acts, despite performing splendidly, seemed relatively tame after such a stellar opening. Gradually, the excitement settled into a comfortable rhythm—
Until Jessie and Meowth once again took the stage, reigniting the crowd's enthusiasm. Their memorable preliminary act had left a lasting impression.
"Meowth, are you ready?"
"No worries, meow! Today's the day I finally become a star, meowth!" Meowth recalled bitterly that snobby feline who'd rejected him, and the arrogant Persian lounging beside Giovanni. Once famous, he'd look down on all those who had scorned him!
A moment later, two gleaming figures descended from the ceiling on invisible wires, landing dramatically at center stage.
The human-and-Pokémon pair had completely transformed their outfits—from astronaut suits and animal skins to ancient Galarian costumes.
"From barbarism to civilization, from ignorance to discovery—history turns page after page, igniting sparks of civilization across continents. With prosperity came conflict, and heroes emerged onto history's stage! Please enjoy our new drama—King Meowth!"
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bonus chaps
100 stones -> 1 chapter
200 stones -> 2 chapters
300 stones -> 3 chapters
and so on
hehe every 100 followers on either instagram or twitter is 5 bonus chapters...? (for all tls ongoing)
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